Chinese phone manufacturer Honor has made headlines with the launch of its innovative image-to-video AI generator, powered by Google. This cutting-edge feature is set to debut exclusively for users of the new Honor 400 and Honor 400 Pro smartphones, which are slated for release on May 22nd. The AI tool, leveraging Google’s advanced Veo 2 model, enables users to create engaging five-second videos from static images.
The image-to-video AI generator, integrated into the Gallery app on the Honor 400 series, offers a straightforward user experience. Users need only to upload a photo—whether in portrait or landscape orientation—and wait one to two minutes for the AI to generate the video. Notably, this tool does not allow for text prompts, meaning users must rely on the AI’s interpretation of the image.
Initial tests reveal a mixed performance from the AI generator. For instance, when given a simple subject, such as a clear image of a person or a pet, the AI can produce surprisingly realistic animations. However, the results can be unpredictable. In one amusing instance, the AI exaggerated my cat Noodle’s tongue, while a vintage car was depicted rotating unrealistically. Other images sparked quirky outputs, like a ghostly hand interacting with fresh tomatoes or a chaotic women’s soccer game featuring an improbable number of players.
In a notable experiment, I utilized a self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh, and the AI produced a surreal result: a pigeon flying out of the painter's eye. This unpredictability adds an element of fun, albeit with the understanding that the AI's interpretations may not always align with reality.
The videos generated by Honor's AI tool are saved in the MP4 format. For ease of sharing, these outputs are often converted to GIFs, although this conversion may slightly reduce the quality of the clips. For those who purchase the Honor 400 or 400 Pro, the image-to-video feature will be available free of charge for the first two months, with a daily limit of ten video generations.
Chris Langley, Honor’s UK marketing director, has indicated that while the initial use of the AI tool is free, it will eventually require a subscription through Google. However, specific details regarding this subscription model are yet to be disclosed. Currently, video generation using the Veo 2 model is part of Google’s paid Gemini Advanced subscription, which primarily supports text-based input. Additionally, image-to-video generation is featured in Google Cloud, where it is available to approved users at a cost of 50 cents per second of output.
As Honor continues to innovate in the smartphone space, the introduction of the image-to-video AI generator marks a significant step forward in enhancing user creativity and engagement through technology.
